Controversy erupts over Ayushmann Khurrana's GQ cover, fans ask, what gender fluidity?

There is more sensitivity and information regarding gender and sexual identity globally with celebrities like Sam Smith, Elliot Page and Kal Penn including fans in their coming out journey.

Back at hoe, there's Ayushmann Khurrana. An actor who is not shying away from taking bold strides in his career, like playing a gay man in 'Shubh Mangal Savdhaan', or romancing a trans character in his new movie 'Chandigarh Kare Ashiqui'.

Ayushmann's latest photo for the cover of GQ wearing kohl and nail varnish, seemed to have stirred a fresh debate among 'woke' netizens. He shared the cover on his Instagram handle, with the caption 'Gender Fluid' and a heart emoji.

Many fans pointed out that perhaps Ayushmann had gone a bit too far, since arguably wearing kohl or black nail paint do not identify gender or fluidity. Kohl is also, traditionally worn by males from South and West Asia with many continuing to do so on a daily basis.

Many said, Ayushman may be bold, path breaking and paving the way for some very important conversations, but he's doing so while continuing to identify with and enjoy the privileges of being a cis-het man, only to occasionally don the pride flag in the guise of 'support' and 'representation'.

Many pointed out that capitalising on queer identity under the banner of LGBTQA+ has been an issue long unaddressed. Almost like clockwork, companies around the world are busy 'Rainbow Washing' in June, where their logos become rainbow but actual aid and support for LGBTQA+ remain next to zero.

Many have compared Ayushmann to artists like Harry Styles and Lauv, who also have also been scrutinised for what many call 'queerbaiting', since they continue to identify as cis-het men.

We are not privy or entitled to anyone's coming out journey and cannot decide for anyone when or how they choose to identify themselves, perhaps there are better ways for actors to sell their own cover photo, amid film promotions.